Win updates causes system freeze after reboot.

Dear community members. First some essential information. I have an HP
notebook PC with key specs as follows. Processor - Intel M 1.73 Ghz, and 2GB
RAM. My OS is Win XP Pro SP2 (Bld 2600). I have CA eTrust v8.0.447 installed
with the sig file up to date. No anti-spyware is installed.

The system has “Automatic Updates� enabled, and was not subjected to any
repair process. It has been operating quite well, until two days ago, i.e. 18
Aug ‘09. I noticed the familiar “updates shield� present in the sys tray,
which informed me that new updates are available for installation. I decided
to install, selecting the “express option�, which comprised of a surprising
11 updates. The initial part of the update process went without any hitch,
and I received a notification that the system needs to be re-booted in order
for the updates to become effective.

This is where my troubles started. During the system re-boot process, my
desktop would only load partially, i.e. 3 icons out of an approximate 25
icons, and the system tray would only load one single program icon. At this
time my system becomes totally unresponsive i.e. it just “hangs�. I then shut
the system down and attempted re-booting several times, all without any
success.

In the end, I was able to perform a “system restore�, to the point
immediately prior to the updates. All was well again thereafter. I am
convinced therefore that one of the updates is the culprit here, but which
one ?. Since my auto updates feature can not be disabled, I obviously keep
getting the same notification.

PS. When booting into safe mode before performing a system restore, I
managed to check which updates were installed. They are : KB956744, 960859,
968389, 971032, -1557, -1657, -3354, -3507, -3540, -3815, -3869

PPS. I was foolish to allow another update install for a second time on 20
Aug ’09, with the exact same fatal results. Another system restore was
performed yet again.

My question now is, can someone please advise on how I can go about to
determine which specific update to avoid installing, without going though a
trial-and-error exercise, possibly 11 times over. (My luck is always the last
one I select)
Some honest sound advice will be much appreciated, even if considered
“overkill� by others.

Kind Regards.
Maurice

In Vista one can turn off Automatic Updating and I'm sure you can do the same
in XP.
Go to Control Panel (on Start Up menu) - Security Centre - Windows Updating
- Turn on or off

--
RB


"Maurice" wrote:

> Dear community members. First some essential information. I have an HP
> notebook PC with key specs as follows. Processor - Intel M 1.73 Ghz, and 2GB
> RAM. My OS is Win XP Pro SP2 (Bld 2600). I have CA eTrust v8.0.447 installed
> with the sig file up to date. No anti-spyware is installed.
>
> The system has “Automatic Updates� enabled, and was not subjected to any
> repair process. It has been operating quite well, until two days ago, i.e. 18
> Aug ‘09. I noticed the familiar “updates shield� present in the sys tray,
> which informed me that new updates are available for installation. I decided
> to install, selecting the “express option�, which comprised of a surprising
> 11 updates. The initial part of the update process went without any hitch,
> and I received a notification that the system needs to be re-booted in order
> for the updates to become effective.
>
> This is where my troubles started. During the system re-boot process, my
> desktop would only load partially, i.e. 3 icons out of an approximate 25
> icons, and the system tray would only load one single program icon. At this
> time my system becomes totally unresponsive i.e. it just “hangs�. I then shut
> the system down and attempted re-booting several times, all without any
> success.
>
> In the end, I was able to perform a “system restore�, to the point
> immediately prior to the updates. All was well again thereafter. I am
> convinced therefore that one of the updates is the culprit here, but which
> one ?. Since my auto updates feature can not be disabled, I obviously keep
> getting the same notification.
>
> PS. When booting into safe mode before performing a system restore, I
> managed to check which updates were installed. They are : KB956744, 960859,
> 968389, 971032, -1557, -1657, -3354, -3507, -3540, -3815, -3869
>
> PPS. I was foolish to allow another update install for a second time on 20
> Aug ’09, with the exact same fatal results. Another system restore was
> performed yet again.
>
> My question now is, can someone please advise on how I can go about to
> determine which specific update to avoid installing, without going though a
> trial-and-error exercise, possibly 11 times over. (My luck is always the last
> one I select)
> Some honest sound advice will be much appreciated, even if considered
> “overkill� by others.
>
> Kind Regards.
> Maurice
>

Hi roxjo,

I know that one can normally turn off the auto updates feature. Since my
I.T. department controls that feature via an image install, I have no rights
to do so.
Anyway, that still won't solve my problem, as I certainly can't "go into
hiding" from Win updates forever can I ? There seems to be a problem with a
specific update here. Question is, will someone believe me ? And how would I
go about identifying it in order to just keep avoiding that particular update
? That's the million dollar question here.

Thanks for trying anyway.

Kind Regards

"roxjo" wrote:

> In Vista one can turn off Automatic Updating and I'm sure you can do the same
> in XP.
> Go to Control Panel (on Start Up menu) - Security Centre - Windows Updating
> - Turn on or off
>
> --
> RB
>
>
> "Maurice" wrote:
>
> > Dear community members. First some essential information. I have an HP
> > notebook PC with key specs as follows. Processor - Intel M 1.73 Ghz, and 2GB
> > RAM. My OS is Win XP Pro SP2 (Bld 2600). I have CA eTrust v8.0.447 installed
> > with the sig file up to date. No anti-spyware is installed.
> >
> > The system has “Automatic Updates� enabled, and was not subjected to any
> > repair process. It has been operating quite well, until two days ago, i.e. 18
> > Aug ‘09. I noticed the familiar “updates shield� present in the sys tray,
> > which informed me that new updates are available for installation. I decided
> > to install, selecting the “express option�, which comprised of a surprising
> > 11 updates. The initial part of the update process went without any hitch,
> > and I received a notification that the system needs to be re-booted in order
> > for the updates to become effective.
> >
> > This is where my troubles started. During the system re-boot process, my
> > desktop would only load partially, i.e. 3 icons out of an approximate 25
> > icons, and the system tray would only load one single program icon. At this
> > time my system becomes totally unresponsive i.e. it just “hangs�. I then shut
> > the system down and attempted re-booting several times, all without any
> > success.
> >
> > In the end, I was able to perform a “system restore�, to the point
> > immediately prior to the updates. All was well again thereafter. I am
> > convinced therefore that one of the updates is the culprit here, but which
> > one ?. Since my auto updates feature can not be disabled, I obviously keep
> > getting the same notification.
> >
> > PS. When booting into safe mode before performing a system restore, I
> > managed to check which updates were installed. They are : KB956744, 960859,
> > 968389, 971032, -1557, -1657, -3354, -3507, -3540, -3815, -3869
> >
> > PPS. I was foolish to allow another update install for a second time on 20
> > Aug ’09, with the exact same fatal results. Another system restore was
> > performed yet again.
> >
> > My question now is, can someone please advise on how I can go about to
> > determine which specific update to avoid installing, without going though a
> > trial-and-error exercise, possibly 11 times over. (My luck is always the last
> > one I select)
> > Some honest sound advice will be much appreciated, even if considered
> > “overkill� by others.
> >
> > Kind Regards.
> > Maurice
> >

Never, EVER use System Restore to "undo" an update!!!

[Comment: Why isn't WinXP SP3 installed yet?]

Start a free Windows Update support incident request:
https://support.microsoft.com/oas/de...spx?gprid=6527

For home users, no-charge support is available by calling 1-866-PCSAFETY in
the United States and in Canada or by contacting your local Microsoft
subsidiary. There is no-charge for support calls that are associated with
security updates. When you call, clearly state that your problem is related
to a Security Update and cite the update's KB number (most likely to be
KB953869 in your case).

Support for Windows Update:
http://support.microsoft.com/gp/wusupport

For more information about how to contact your local Microsoft subsidiary
for security update support issues, visit the International Support Web
site: http://support.microsoft.com/common/international.aspx

For enterprise customers, support for security updates is available through
your usual support contacts.
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-Windows (IE, OE, Security, Shell/User)
AumHa VSOP & Admin; DTS-L.net


Maurice wrote:
> Dear community members. First some essential information. I have an HP
> notebook PC with key specs as follows. Processor - Intel M 1.73 Ghz, and
> 2GB RAM. My OS is Win XP Pro SP2 (Bld 2600). I have CA eTrust v8.0.447
> installed with the sig file up to date. No anti-spyware is installed.
>
> The system has “Automatic Updates� enabled, and was not subjected to any
> repair process. It has been operating quite well, until two days ago, i.e.
> 18 Aug ‘09. I noticed the familiar “updates shield� present in the sys
> tray,
> which informed me that new updates are available for installation. I
> decided
> to install, selecting the “express option�, which comprised of a
> surprising
> 11 updates. The initial part of the update process went without any hitch,
> and I received a notification that the system needs to be re-booted in
> order
> for the updates to become effective.
>
> This is where my troubles started. During the system re-boot process, my
> desktop would only load partially, i.e. 3 icons out of an approximate 25
> icons, and the system tray would only load one single program icon. At
> this
> time my system becomes totally unresponsive i.e. it just “hangs�. I then
> shut the system down and attempted re-booting several times, all without
> any
> success.
>
> In the end, I was able to perform a “system restore�, to the point
> immediately prior to the updates. All was well again thereafter. I am
> convinced therefore that one of the updates is the culprit here, but which
> one ?. Since my auto updates feature can not be disabled, I obviously keep
> getting the same notification.
>
> PS. When booting into safe mode before performing a system restore, I
> managed to check which updates were installed. They are : KB956744,
> 960859,
> 968389, 971032, -1557, -1657, -3354, -3507, -3540, -3815, -3869
>
> PPS. I was foolish to allow another update install for a second time on 20
> Aug ’09, with the exact same fatal results. Another system restore was
> performed yet again.
>
> My question now is, can someone please advise on how I can go about to
> determine which specific update to avoid installing, without going though
> a
> trial-and-error exercise, possibly 11 times over. (My luck is always the
> last one I select)
> Some honest sound advice will be much appreciated, even if considered
> “overkill� by others.
>
> Kind Regards.
> Maurice

Maurice,

Shouldn't your IT department be fixing the problem for you?

Try booting into Safe Mode and see if that lets you get to the control panels.
You could then remove the updates one by one until you (hopefully) find the one
that makes the problem go away. To doublecheck, let AU reinstall all the
updates for you, check that the problem has come back, then just remove the
single update you think is the culprit.

Once you know which update it should be easier to research possible solutions;
you can post back here for assistance. I suggest you try checking the knowledge
base article on the update, and try downloading the update and installing it in
Safe Mode. Sometimes that is enough to fix things. (If you solve the problem,
please post back to let us know what worked.)

Harry.

Maurice wrote:
> Hi roxjo,
>
> I know that one can normally turn off the auto updates feature. Since my
> I.T. department controls that feature via an image install, I have no rights
> to do so.
> Anyway, that still won't solve my problem, as I certainly can't "go into
> hiding" from Win updates forever can I ? There seems to be a problem with a
> specific update here. Question is, will someone believe me ? And how would I
> go about identifying it in order to just keep avoiding that particular update
> ? That's the million dollar question here.
>
> Thanks for trying anyway.
>
> Kind Regards
>
> "roxjo" wrote:
>
>> In Vista one can turn off Automatic Updating and I'm sure you can do the same
>> in XP.
>> Go to Control Panel (on Start Up menu) - Security Centre - Windows Updating
>> - Turn on or off
>>
>> --
>> RB
>>
>>
>> "Maurice" wrote:
>>
>>> Dear community members. First some essential information. I have an HP
>>> notebook PC with key specs as follows. Processor - Intel M 1.73 Ghz, and 2GB
>>> RAM. My OS is Win XP Pro SP2 (Bld 2600). I have CA eTrust v8.0.447 installed
>>> with the sig file up to date. No anti-spyware is installed.
>>>
>>> The system has “Automatic Updates� enabled, and was not subjected to any
>>> repair process. It has been operating quite well, until two days ago, i.e. 18
>>> Aug ‘09. I noticed the familiar “updates shield� present in the sys tray,
>>> which informed me that new updates are available for installation. I decided
>>> to install, selecting the “express option�, which comprised of a surprising
>>> 11 updates. The initial part of the update process went without any hitch,
>>> and I received a notification that the system needs to be re-booted in order
>>> for the updates to become effective.
>>>
>>> This is where my troubles started. During the system re-boot process, my
>>> desktop would only load partially, i.e. 3 icons out of an approximate 25
>>> icons, and the system tray would only load one single program icon. At this
>>> time my system becomes totally unresponsive i.e. it just “hangs�. I then shut
>>> the system down and attempted re-booting several times, all without any
>>> success.
>>>
>>> In the end, I was able to perform a “system restore�, to the point
>>> immediately prior to the updates. All was well again thereafter. I am
>>> convinced therefore that one of the updates is the culprit here, but which
>>> one ?. Since my auto updates feature can not be disabled, I obviously keep
>>> getting the same notification.
>>>
>>> PS. When booting into safe mode before performing a system restore, I
>>> managed to check which updates were installed. They are : KB956744, 960859,
>>> 968389, 971032, -1557, -1657, -3354, -3507, -3540, -3815, -3869
>>>
>>> PPS. I was foolish to allow another update install for a second time on 20
>>> Aug ’09, with the exact same fatal results. Another system restore was
>>> performed yet again.
>>>
>>> My question now is, can someone please advise on how I can go about to
>>> determine which specific update to avoid installing, without going though a
>>> trial-and-error exercise, possibly 11 times over. (My luck is always the last
>>> one I select)
>>> Some honest sound advice will be much appreciated, even if considered
>>> “overkill� by others.
>>>
>>> Kind Regards.
>>> Maurice
>>>

Hi Harry,

Yes normally I would call on my IT dept for help however, their response
time & skills level leaves too much to be desired. When my syst is down I
need fast recovery. Thus, I have to resort to my own means, and help from
"outside".

I haven't tried to boot into safe mode specifically for the purpose of
selective update removal, but I don't foresee any problem in doing so. Whilst
your suggestion does make sense, it was however exactly the scenario I was
hoping to avoid ! i.e. un-installing and checking by re-booting my system
one-by-one. We are talking 11 updates here. I might as well do a selective
install for starters then in normal mode, not so ?.

Lastly, installing the "offending update" in safe mode is certainly an
option I'll keep in mind, but I have to i.d. it first.

Thanks for your advice thusfar !

Regards
Maurice

"Harry Johnston [MVP]" wrote:

> Maurice,
>
> Shouldn't your IT department be fixing the problem for you?
>
> Try booting into Safe Mode and see if that lets you get to the control panels.
> You could then remove the updates one by one until you (hopefully) find the one
> that makes the problem go away. To doublecheck, let AU reinstall all the
> updates for you, check that the problem has come back, then just remove the
> single update you think is the culprit.
>
> Once you know which update it should be easier to research possible solutions;
> you can post back here for assistance. I suggest you try checking the knowledge
> base article on the update, and try downloading the update and installing it in
> Safe Mode. Sometimes that is enough to fix things. (If you solve the problem,
> please post back to let us know what worked.)
>
> Harry.
>
> Maurice wrote:
> > Hi roxjo,
> >
> > I know that one can normally turn off the auto updates feature. Since my
> > I.T. department controls that feature via an image install, I have no rights
> > to do so.
> > Anyway, that still won't solve my problem, as I certainly can't "go into
> > hiding" from Win updates forever can I ? There seems to be a problem with a
> > specific update here. Question is, will someone believe me ? And how would I
> > go about identifying it in order to just keep avoiding that particular update
> > ? That's the million dollar question here.
> >
> > Thanks for trying anyway.
> >
> > Kind Regards
> >
> > "roxjo" wrote:
> >
> >> In Vista one can turn off Automatic Updating and I'm sure you can do the same
> >> in XP.
> >> Go to Control Panel (on Start Up menu) - Security Centre - Windows Updating
> >> - Turn on or off
> >>
> >> --
> >> RB
> >>
> >>
> >> "Maurice" wrote:
> >>
> >>> Dear community members. First some essential information. I have an HP
> >>> notebook PC with key specs as follows. Processor - Intel M 1.73 Ghz, and 2GB
> >>> RAM. My OS is Win XP Pro SP2 (Bld 2600). I have CA eTrust v8.0.447 installed
> >>> with the sig file up to date. No anti-spyware is installed.
> >>>
> >>> The system has “Automatic Updates� enabled, and was not subjected to any
> >>> repair process. It has been operating quite well, until two days ago, i.e. 18
> >>> Aug ‘09. I noticed the familiar “updates shield� present in the sys tray,
> >>> which informed me that new updates are available for installation. I decided
> >>> to install, selecting the “express option�, which comprised of a surprising
> >>> 11 updates. The initial part of the update process went without any hitch,
> >>> and I received a notification that the system needs to be re-booted in order
> >>> for the updates to become effective.
> >>>
> >>> This is where my troubles started. During the system re-boot process, my
> >>> desktop would only load partially, i.e. 3 icons out of an approximate 25
> >>> icons, and the system tray would only load one single program icon. At this
> >>> time my system becomes totally unresponsive i.e. it just “hangs�. I then shut
> >>> the system down and attempted re-booting several times, all without any
> >>> success.
> >>>
> >>> In the end, I was able to perform a “system restore�, to the point
> >>> immediately prior to the updates. All was well again thereafter. I am
> >>> convinced therefore that one of the updates is the culprit here, but which
> >>> one ?. Since my auto updates feature can not be disabled, I obviously keep
> >>> getting the same notification.
> >>>
> >>> PS. When booting into safe mode before performing a system restore, I
> >>> managed to check which updates were installed. They are : KB956744, 960859,
> >>> 968389, 971032, -1557, -1657, -3354, -3507, -3540, -3815, -3869
> >>>
> >>> PPS. I was foolish to allow another update install for a second time on 20
> >>> Aug ’09, with the exact same fatal results. Another system restore was
> >>> performed yet again.
> >>>
> >>> My question now is, can someone please advise on how I can go about to
> >>> determine which specific update to avoid installing, without going though a
> >>> trial-and-error exercise, possibly 11 times over. (My luck is always the last
> >>> one I select)
> >>> Some honest sound advice will be much appreciated, even if considered
> >>> “overkill� by others.
> >>>
> >>> Kind Regards.
> >>> Maurice
> >>>
>

Dear PA Bear,

Your first piece of advice came with such vigour, I just have to ask why you
said I should'nt resort to a system restore. To me that was the fastest (and
I thought safest) remedy to my immediate situation ! Anyway, It would be good
for me (and others uninitiated like me) to understand the reasons for your
advice.

Since the PC is my employer's property, and subject to it's I.T. dept
policies & contol, I'm really left at their mercy i.t.o. SP updates. I though
I should'nt interfere, but felt the urge to install SP3 on several occasions
myself. Do you believe there is compelling enough reasons for me to do so
anyway ?

From your last advice it appears as though you consider it best for me to
initiate a support incident request. You also seem confident about the
possible culprit update being KB953869. Did you perhaps mean KB973869, as I
didn't state the former number ? You obviously have reasons for your
suspicion, so I'll be sure to keep any eye on that one for sure.

Thank you too for your advice thusfar. I would definately like to have a
follow-up response re my comment / question above

Kind Regards
Maurice


"PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:

> Never, EVER use System Restore to "undo" an update!!!
>
> [Comment: Why isn't WinXP SP3 installed yet?]
>
> Start a free Windows Update support incident request:
> https://support.microsoft.com/oas/de...spx?gprid=6527
>
> For home users, no-charge support is available by calling 1-866-PCSAFETY in
> the United States and in Canada or by contacting your local Microsoft
> subsidiary. There is no-charge for support calls that are associated with
> security updates. When you call, clearly state that your problem is related
> to a Security Update and cite the update's KB number (most likely to be
> KB953869 in your case).
>
> Support for Windows Update:
> http://support.microsoft.com/gp/wusupport
>
> For more information about how to contact your local Microsoft subsidiary
> for security update support issues, visit the International Support Web
> site: http://support.microsoft.com/common/international.aspx
>
> For enterprise customers, support for security updates is available through
> your usual support contacts.
> --
> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
> MS MVP-Windows (IE, OE, Security, Shell/User)
> AumHa VSOP & Admin; DTS-L.net
>
>
> Maurice wrote:
> > Dear community members. First some essential information. I have an HP
> > notebook PC with key specs as follows. Processor - Intel M 1.73 Ghz, and
> > 2GB RAM. My OS is Win XP Pro SP2 (Bld 2600). I have CA eTrust v8.0.447
> > installed with the sig file up to date. No anti-spyware is installed.
> >
> > The system has “Automatic Updates� enabled, and was not subjected to any
> > repair process. It has been operating quite well, until two days ago, i.e.
> > 18 Aug ‘09. I noticed the familiar “updates shield� present in the sys
> > tray,
> > which informed me that new updates are available for installation. I
> > decided
> > to install, selecting the “express option�, which comprised of a
> > surprising
> > 11 updates. The initial part of the update process went without any hitch,
> > and I received a notification that the system needs to be re-booted in
> > order
> > for the updates to become effective.
> >
> > This is where my troubles started. During the system re-boot process, my
> > desktop would only load partially, i.e. 3 icons out of an approximate 25
> > icons, and the system tray would only load one single program icon. At
> > this
> > time my system becomes totally unresponsive i.e. it just “hangs�. I then
> > shut the system down and attempted re-booting several times, all without
> > any
> > success.
> >
> > In the end, I was able to perform a “system restore�, to the point
> > immediately prior to the updates. All was well again thereafter. I am
> > convinced therefore that one of the updates is the culprit here, but which
> > one ?. Since my auto updates feature can not be disabled, I obviously keep
> > getting the same notification.
> >
> > PS. When booting into safe mode before performing a system restore, I
> > managed to check which updates were installed. They are : KB956744,
> > 960859,
> > 968389, 971032, -1557, -1657, -3354, -3507, -3540, -3815, -3869
> >
> > PPS. I was foolish to allow another update install for a second time on 20
> > Aug ’09, with the exact same fatal results. Another system restore was
> > performed yet again.
> >
> > My question now is, can someone please advise on how I can go about to
> > determine which specific update to avoid installing, without going though
> > a
> > trial-and-error exercise, possibly 11 times over. (My luck is always the
> > last one I select)
> > Some honest sound advice will be much appreciated, even if considered
> > “overkill� by others.
> >
> > Kind Regards.
> > Maurice
>
>

> Your first piece of advice came with such vigour, I just have to ask why
> you
> said I should'nt resort to a system restore.

See this post of mine in a recent & related thread:
http://groups.google.com/group/micro...ee6f443e38adaf

> Did you perhaps mean KB973869?

Yes.


Maurice wrote:
> Dear PA Bear,
>
> Your first piece of advice came with such vigour, I just have to ask why
> you
> said I should'nt resort to a system restore. To me that was the fastest
> (and
> I thought safest) remedy to my immediate situation ! Anyway, It would be
> good for me (and others uninitiated like me) to understand the reasons for
> your advice.
>
> Since the PC is my employer's property, and subject to it's I.T. dept
> policies & contol, I'm really left at their mercy i.t.o. SP updates. I
> though I should'nt interfere, but felt the urge to install SP3 on several
> occasions myself. Do you believe there is compelling enough reasons for me
> to do so anyway ?
>
> From your last advice it appears as though you consider it best for me to
> initiate a support incident request. You also seem confident about the
> possible culprit update being KB953869. Did you perhaps mean KB973869, as
> I
> didn't state the former number ? You obviously have reasons for your
> suspicion, so I'll be sure to keep any eye on that one for sure.
>
> Thank you too for your advice thusfar. I would definately like to have a
> follow-up response re my comment / question above
>
> Kind Regards
> Maurice
>
>
> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:
>
>> Never, EVER use System Restore to "undo" an update!!!
>>
>> [Comment: Why isn't WinXP SP3 installed yet?]
>>
>> Start a free Windows Update support incident request:
>> https://support.microsoft.com/oas/de...spx?gprid=6527
>>
>> For home users, no-charge support is available by calling 1-866-PCSAFETY
>> in
>> the United States and in Canada or by contacting your local Microsoft
>> subsidiary. There is no-charge for support calls that are associated
>> with
>> security updates. When you call, clearly state that your problem is
>> related to a Security Update and cite the update's KB number (most likely
>> to be KB953869 in your case).
>>
>> Support for Windows Update:
>> http://support.microsoft.com/gp/wusupport
>>
>> For more information about how to contact your local Microsoft subsidiary
>> for security update support issues, visit the International Support Web
>> site: http://support.microsoft.com/common/international.aspx
>>
>> For enterprise customers, support for security updates is available
>> through
>> your usual support contacts.
>> --
>> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
>> MS MVP-Windows (IE, OE, Security, Shell/User)
>> AumHa VSOP & Admin; DTS-L.net
>>
>>
>> Maurice wrote:
>>> Dear community members. First some essential information. I have an HP
>>> notebook PC with key specs as follows. Processor - Intel M 1.73 Ghz,
>>> and
>>> 2GB RAM. My OS is Win XP Pro SP2 (Bld 2600). I have CA eTrust v8.0.447
>>> installed with the sig file up to date. No anti-spyware is installed.
>>>
>>> The system has “Automatic Updates� enabled, and was not subjected to any
>>> repair process. It has been operating quite well, until two days ago,
>>> i.e.
>>> 18 Aug ‘09. I noticed the familiar “updates shield� present in the sys
>>> tray,
>>> which informed me that new updates are available for installation. I
>>> decided
>>> to install, selecting the “express option�, which comprised of a
>>> surprising
>>> 11 updates. The initial part of the update process went without any
>>> hitch,
>>> and I received a notification that the system needs to be re-booted in
>>> order
>>> for the updates to become effective.
>>>
>>> This is where my troubles started. During the system re-boot process, my
>>> desktop would only load partially, i.e. 3 icons out of an approximate 25
>>> icons, and the system tray would only load one single program icon. At
>>> this
>>> time my system becomes totally unresponsive i.e. it just “hangs�. I then
>>> shut the system down and attempted re-booting several times, all without
>>> any
>>> success.
>>>
>>> In the end, I was able to perform a “system restore�, to the point
>>> immediately prior to the updates. All was well again thereafter. I am
>>> convinced therefore that one of the updates is the culprit here, but
>>> which
>>> one ?. Since my auto updates feature can not be disabled, I obviously
>>> keep
>>> getting the same notification.
>>>
>>> PS. When booting into safe mode before performing a system restore, I
>>> managed to check which updates were installed. They are : KB956744,
>>> 960859,
>>> 968389, 971032, -1557, -1657, -3354, -3507, -3540, -3815, -3869
>>>
>>> PPS. I was foolish to allow another update install for a second time on
>>> 20
>>> Aug ’09, with the exact same fatal results. Another system restore was
>>> performed yet again.
>>>
>>> My question now is, can someone please advise on how I can go about to
>>> determine which specific update to avoid installing, without going
>>> though
>>> a
>>> trial-and-error exercise, possibly 11 times over. (My luck is always the
>>> last one I select)
>>> Some honest sound advice will be much appreciated, even if considered
>>> “overkill� by others.
>>>
>>> Kind Regards.
>>> Maurice

Dear Robear,

Many thanks for the reference to you recent post related to the dubious
practice of "sys restore". I am now rather more enlightned, and can certainly
see/understand where you are coming from. I shall definitely refrain from
carrying out a "SR" when I experience any kind of Win updates problems. Your
advice does however invoke a further question in my mind i.e. when, and/or
under what specific circumstances would you consider it viable & safe to use
"system restore" then ? (looks to me that this much hyped about functionality
isn't all that it's cracked out to be)

Now then, back to my main (orig) problem. The following is the sequence of
events/actions I took since your last reply.
- Auto Upd when enabled like mine, is hardly something you can ignore. After
my last "sys restore" attempt, it obviously picked up on "missing" new
updates. I decided to follow a different strategy, and selected the "custom
install" option rather than the express install. I was then able to see the
list of 11 updates yet again, but this time chose NOT to install the specific
update you mentioned as the probable problem child i.e. KB973869. The
remaining 10 updates were then all installed (incl a syst re-boot) without
any apparent ill effect. I worked happily for a day or so.

- Like I said, auto update seems to have a mind of it's own meaning, even if
you do not make a conscious decision to click on the sys tray notification
shield in order to allow update installation, it will still force an update
install at the next re-boot after PC shutdown !!!!
So as expected, the remaining update mentioned above was installed yet
again, with the same end result i.e. partial desktop & program load after a
re-boot, with a system hang.

- I was fortunately able to perform a normal shut down, after which I
selected to boot into safe mode. From there, I the uninstalled KB973869, and
did a re-boot as normal. This is where my troubles came back again, as my
system were up to the same partial loading & hanging after re-booting.

- I booted into safe made again, and selectively uninstalled all the
remaining 10 updates which came a part of a set of 11. After a re-boot, my
system was back to it's normal self again, and I could use it normally.

- There is thus no doubt in my mind that one, or more of the set of 11
updates is causing my PC to misbehave. Unfortunately, I don't have the
knowledge, nor patience to try and resolve something which is really outside
of my scope. Whilst I can try to ignore auto update, it will do me absolutely
no good, for reasons explained above. It would appear I have one of two
options to manage the situation i.e.

a) Whenever the auto update shield appears in the system tray, I would be
faced with an automatic updates installation at boot time, following every PC
shut down. This will necessitate me to perform a safe mode uninstallation of
all the updates that were installed on that occasion/day. (This is hardly
something to look forward to I'm sure you will agree)

b) or, whenever the auto update shield appears in the system tray, go to the
folder where the updates were downloaded, and delete them. This will
hopefully prevent an auto install at boot time. I'm thinking this will be the
preferred option, but don't know where to locate the updates. Could you
advise please ? (Disabeling the windows auto update feature altogether is not
considered viable, but in my case it's also not possible at all. That feature
has been "locked" by my I.T. dept by virtue of the so-called image they
install on our PCs.

c) Perhaps the is even another workaround / hack you can advise me on ?

The first prize for me will be if you happen to know exactly which update(s)
are causing me so much grief, and of course how to prevent their download in
the first place. Any ideas there ?

My apology for the long story, but I do believe you need as much and
accurate information as possible if you were to identify a possible remedy.

Looking forward to your reply posting.

Kind regards
Maurice



"PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:

> > Your first piece of advice came with such vigour, I just have to ask why
> > you
> > said I should'nt resort to a system restore.
>
> See this post of mine in a recent & related thread:
> http://groups.google.com/group/micro...ee6f443e38adaf
>
> > Did you perhaps mean KB973869?
>
> Yes.
>
>
> Maurice wrote:
> > Dear PA Bear,
> >
> > Your first piece of advice came with such vigour, I just have to ask why
> > you
> > said I should'nt resort to a system restore. To me that was the fastest
> > (and
> > I thought safest) remedy to my immediate situation ! Anyway, It would be
> > good for me (and others uninitiated like me) to understand the reasons for
> > your advice.
> >
> > Since the PC is my employer's property, and subject to it's I.T. dept
> > policies & contol, I'm really left at their mercy i.t.o. SP updates. I
> > though I should'nt interfere, but felt the urge to install SP3 on several
> > occasions myself. Do you believe there is compelling enough reasons for me
> > to do so anyway ?
> >
> > From your last advice it appears as though you consider it best for me to
> > initiate a support incident request. You also seem confident about the
> > possible culprit update being KB953869. Did you perhaps mean KB973869, as
> > I
> > didn't state the former number ? You obviously have reasons for your
> > suspicion, so I'll be sure to keep any eye on that one for sure.
> >
> > Thank you too for your advice thusfar. I would definately like to have a
> > follow-up response re my comment / question above
> >
> > Kind Regards
> > Maurice
> >
> >
> > "PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:
> >
> >> Never, EVER use System Restore to "undo" an update!!!
> >>
> >> [Comment: Why isn't WinXP SP3 installed yet?]
> >>
> >> Start a free Windows Update support incident request:
> >> https://support.microsoft.com/oas/de...spx?gprid=6527
> >>
> >> For home users, no-charge support is available by calling 1-866-PCSAFETY
> >> in
> >> the United States and in Canada or by contacting your local Microsoft
> >> subsidiary. There is no-charge for support calls that are associated
> >> with
> >> security updates. When you call, clearly state that your problem is
> >> related to a Security Update and cite the update's KB number (most likely
> >> to be KB953869 in your case).
> >>
> >> Support for Windows Update:
> >> http://support.microsoft.com/gp/wusupport
> >>
> >> For more information about how to contact your local Microsoft subsidiary
> >> for security update support issues, visit the International Support Web
> >> site: http://support.microsoft.com/common/international.aspx
> >>
> >> For enterprise customers, support for security updates is available
> >> through
> >> your usual support contacts.
> >> --
> >> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
> >> MS MVP-Windows (IE, OE, Security, Shell/User)
> >> AumHa VSOP & Admin; DTS-L.net
> >>
> >>
> >> Maurice wrote:
> >>> Dear community members. First some essential information. I have an HP
> >>> notebook PC with key specs as follows. Processor - Intel M 1.73 Ghz,
> >>> and
> >>> 2GB RAM. My OS is Win XP Pro SP2 (Bld 2600). I have CA eTrust v8.0.447
> >>> installed with the sig file up to date. No anti-spyware is installed.
> >>>
> >>> The system has “Automatic Updates� enabled, and was not subjected to any
> >>> repair process. It has been operating quite well, until two days ago,
> >>> i.e.
> >>> 18 Aug ‘09. I noticed the familiar “updates shield� present in the sys
> >>> tray,
> >>> which informed me that new updates are available for installation. I
> >>> decided
> >>> to install, selecting the “express option�, which comprised of a
> >>> surprising
> >>> 11 updates. The initial part of the update process went without any
> >>> hitch,
> >>> and I received a notification that the system needs to be re-booted in
> >>> order
> >>> for the updates to become effective.
> >>>
> >>> This is where my troubles started. During the system re-boot process, my
> >>> desktop would only load partially, i.e. 3 icons out of an approximate 25
> >>> icons, and the system tray would only load one single program icon. At
> >>> this
> >>> time my system becomes totally unresponsive i.e. it just “hangs�. I then
> >>> shut the system down and attempted re-booting several times, all without
> >>> any
> >>> success.
> >>>
> >>> In the end, I was able to perform a “system restore�, to the point
> >>> immediately prior to the updates. All was well again thereafter. I am
> >>> convinced therefore that one of the updates is the culprit here, but
> >>> which
> >>> one ?. Since my auto updates feature can not be disabled, I obviously
> >>> keep
> >>> getting the same notification.
> >>>
> >>> PS. When booting into safe mode before performing a system restore, I
> >>> managed to check which updates were installed. They are : KB956744,
> >>> 960859,
> >>> 968389, 971032, -1557, -1657, -3354, -3507, -3540, -3815, -3869
> >>>
> >>> PPS. I was foolish to allow another update install for a second time on
> >>> 20
> >>> Aug ’09, with the exact same fatal results. Another system restore was
> >>> performed yet again.
> >>>
> >>> My question now is, can someone please advise on how I can go about to
> >>> determine which specific update to avoid installing, without going
> >>> though
> >>> a
> >>> trial-and-error exercise, possibly 11 times over. (My luck is always the
> >>> last one I select)
> >>> Some honest sound advice will be much appreciated, even if considered
> >>> “overkill� by others.
> >>>
> >>> Kind Regards.
> >>> Maurice
>
>

Hi Harry,

You may have seen the causion I was given by "PA Bear" on 21 Aug regarding
the performance of a sys restore. I have since learnt a valuable lesson,
which essentially made me follow your advice offered on the same date also.

However, the matter appears to be rather complicated, and I am no closer to
a solution as yet. I want to refer you to my detailed reply given to Robear
("PA Bear") of today. It should provide you with some further insight into
what I have both tried, and encountered to date. Perhaps there is something
in my feedback that may just help you to identify another solution to my
dilemma.

Any further comments / advice is most welcome, because I can see this issue
has the potential of "sending me off my rocker" in the not to distant future !

Kind regards
Maurice

"Harry Johnston [MVP]" wrote:

> Maurice,
>
> Shouldn't your IT department be fixing the problem for you?
>
> Try booting into Safe Mode and see if that lets you get to the control panels.
> You could then remove the updates one by one until you (hopefully) find the one
> that makes the problem go away. To doublecheck, let AU reinstall all the
> updates for you, check that the problem has come back, then just remove the
> single update you think is the culprit.
>
> Once you know which update it should be easier to research possible solutions;
> you can post back here for assistance. I suggest you try checking the knowledge
> base article on the update, and try downloading the update and installing it in
> Safe Mode. Sometimes that is enough to fix things. (If you solve the problem,
> please post back to let us know what worked.)
>
> Harry.
>
> Maurice wrote:
> > Hi roxjo,
> >
> > I know that one can normally turn off the auto updates feature. Since my
> > I.T. department controls that feature via an image install, I have no rights
> > to do so.
> > Anyway, that still won't solve my problem, as I certainly can't "go into
> > hiding" from Win updates forever can I ? There seems to be a problem with a
> > specific update here. Question is, will someone believe me ? And how would I
> > go about identifying it in order to just keep avoiding that particular update
> > ? That's the million dollar question here.
> >
> > Thanks for trying anyway.
> >
> > Kind Regards
> >
> > "roxjo" wrote:
> >
> >> In Vista one can turn off Automatic Updating and I'm sure you can do the same
> >> in XP.
> >> Go to Control Panel (on Start Up menu) - Security Centre - Windows Updating
> >> - Turn on or off
> >>
> >> --
> >> RB
> >>
> >>
> >> "Maurice" wrote:
> >>
> >>> Dear community members. First some essential information. I have an HP
> >>> notebook PC with key specs as follows. Processor - Intel M 1.73 Ghz, and 2GB
> >>> RAM. My OS is Win XP Pro SP2 (Bld 2600). I have CA eTrust v8.0.447 installed
> >>> with the sig file up to date. No anti-spyware is installed.
> >>>
> >>> The system has “Automatic Updates� enabled, and was not subjected to any
> >>> repair process. It has been operating quite well, until two days ago, i.e. 18
> >>> Aug ‘09. I noticed the familiar “updates shield� present in the sys tray,
> >>> which informed me that new updates are available for installation. I decided
> >>> to install, selecting the “express option�, which comprised of a surprising
> >>> 11 updates. The initial part of the update process went without any hitch,
> >>> and I received a notification that the system needs to be re-booted in order
> >>> for the updates to become effective.
> >>>
> >>> This is where my troubles started. During the system re-boot process, my
> >>> desktop would only load partially, i.e. 3 icons out of an approximate 25
> >>> icons, and the system tray would only load one single program icon. At this
> >>> time my system becomes totally unresponsive i.e. it just “hangs�. I then shut
> >>> the system down and attempted re-booting several times, all without any
> >>> success.
> >>>
> >>> In the end, I was able to perform a “system restore�, to the point
> >>> immediately prior to the updates. All was well again thereafter. I am
> >>> convinced therefore that one of the updates is the culprit here, but which
> >>> one ?. Since my auto updates feature can not be disabled, I obviously keep
> >>> getting the same notification.
> >>>
> >>> PS. When booting into safe mode before performing a system restore, I
> >>> managed to check which updates were installed. They are : KB956744, 960859,
> >>> 968389, 971032, -1557, -1657, -3354, -3507, -3540, -3815, -3869
> >>>
> >>> PPS. I was foolish to allow another update install for a second time on 20
> >>> Aug ’09, with the exact same fatal results. Another system restore was
> >>> performed yet again.
> >>>
> >>> My question now is, can someone please advise on how I can go about to
> >>> determine which specific update to avoid installing, without going though a
> >>> trial-and-error exercise, possibly 11 times over. (My luck is always the last
> >>> one I select)
> >>> Some honest sound advice will be much appreciated, even if considered
> >>> “overkill� by others.
> >>>
> >>> Kind Regards.
> >>> Maurice
> >>>
>